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Colon & Rectal Cancer

As the second-leading cause of cancer deaths, colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable if detected early.

Benefit from the recommended colon and rectal cancer screening methods – including colonoscopy – at Avera locations across the Upper Midwest.

What Is Colorectal Cancer?

Colon or colorectal cancer starts in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum (end of the colon).

Recognize Colorectal Cancer

The most common symptoms include bleeding from the bowel, a change in bowel habits—such as unusual episodes of diarrhea or constipation—or an increase in the amount of mucus in the stool. You also may experience:

Pain or tenderness in lower abdomen

Constipation

Narrow stools or blood in stool

Bloating

Fatigue

Unexplained weight loss

Many symptoms mirror those of irritable bowel syndrome. Always see your provider if a change in bowel habits lasts more than two or three months.

Screen for Colorectal Cancer

After celebrating your 50th birthday, make colorectal cancer screenings a regular part of your health care routine. Schedule your colonoscopy at least once every 10 years to help your doctors catch colorectal cancer in its earliest stages or before precancerous polyps develop into cancer.

Colonoscopy, the most important screening and diagnostic tool for colorectal cancer, allows physicians to see and remove precancerous polyps, look for suspicious lesions, and obtain a biopsy if needed – all in one procedure.

Treat Colorectal Cancer

If you receive a colorectal cancer diagnosis, count on Avera’s Cancer Patient Navigators to walk you through each step of the treatment process.

Take advantage the latest technology at Avera to treat colon cancer.

Surgery removes all or part of the colon is often the first line of treatment for colorectal cancer. Procedures may use minimally-invasive techniques, including laparoscopy, robotics, or a single incision procedure, which result in less pain, a shorter hospital stay and shorter recovery time.

Avera Cancer Institute Magazine

24/7 Cancer Support

If you live within the Avera region, you can get the support you need 24/7 and find answers to your cancer-related questions or concerns. Call or email the Avera Cancer Institute Navigation Center today.